SCCL Defends Coal Stocks, Site Visit Rule

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) on Saturday issued a detailed clarification on coal stocks, tender procedures and the ongoing Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation into alleged irregularities in medical board appointments, a day after BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao raised questions over these issues.

SCCL stated that as of June 4, coal stocks at its mines and Coal Handling Plants (CHPs) stood at 2.651 million tonnes (26.51 lakh tonnes), the lowest level recorded in the last decade. The company said maintaining coal stocks is a routine operational practice followed to ensure uninterrupted supplies to thermal power stations and other consumers. It noted that coal stocks generally accumulate between November and May and are utilized during periods when production is affected by various factors, particularly during the monsoon season.

According to SCCL, the average coal stock maintained between 2014 and 2024 was around 5 million tonnes. Stocks stood at 7 million tonnes in 2015-16 and 7.4 million tonnes in 2016-17. The company said maintaining a minimum stock of about 3 million tonnes is essential to meet nearly 15 days of thermal power requirements and ensure uninterrupted power generation during adverse weather conditions.

Defending the Site Visit Certificate requirement introduced for overburden removal tenders in May 2025, SCCL said the measure was brought in after some contractors participated in tenders without properly assessing mining, geographical and local conditions, resulting in delays, abandoned works, production losses and contractual disputes. The company said the requirement ensures bidders understand site conditions, safety norms and operational challenges before submitting bids.

SCCL added that similar provisions are followed by organizations such as GMDC, GIPCL and NMDC. It said contractors are being facilitated with site visits and certificates are issued to all eligible bidders.

On allegations relating to medical boards and compassionate appointments, SCCL said it had itself lodged a complaint with the ACB after reports of irregularities surfaced. Two employees have already been arrested and departmental action initiated, while investigations by the ACB and SCCL Vigilance Department are continuing.